What an amazing weekend this was. My best friend of nearly 12 years married a wonderful man who loves the crap out of her. You can't ask for anything more for a friend that you love like a sister. When I look back on the Fall of 2004 when I started my first quarter at the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) I remember being your typical awkward and insecure 18 year old. Cait was one of the first girls I met and as it turned out lived right next door to me in the dorms. That would be the only year she and I would live next door to each other or in the same state for that matter. But we have been a part of some of the most significant moments in each other's lives over the years. Like when we left school for two quarters and served in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. She was my maid of honor on my wedding day and was with me only days before the birth of my first baby. When we road tripped to San Francisco and drove with her on her move back to Colorado. When I saw her graduate from her Master's program and all the special visits we have where my kiddos get to be loved on by Auntie Cait.

When she initially asked me to shoot her wedding I was a little unsure at first. Not because I didn't want to but because it can be a challenge for me to engage in a celebration when I'm shooting said celebration. I describe to people how my camera can act as a filter that divides me from the reality of what I'm shooting. I can't fully emotionally engage in an event I'm capturing because I can get too focused on producing a worthy product for my clients. In essence I don't want my pictures to suck. But I just wanted to be sure I could fully be present for her big day. Below you will see one image of Cait looking directly into the camera during the ceremony. My husband, who officiated the wedding, was telling her how she has become a sister to him. That if it weren't for her he and I would have never met and that he is beyond grateful his wife has a friend who stays closer than a sister. I was certainly a bit teary when he was saying this but now every time I look at that photo I get so emotional because I know she wasn't looking at the camera, she was looking at me. 12 years ago I was so afraid to go to college. I prayed that God would provide me at least one good friend during my freshman year. I never in a million years would have imagined He would provide me with my "closer than a sister friend," my best friend, my forever friend. And it was such a blessing to be a part of her special day, marrying a man who is nothing short of perfect for her. They are perfect for each other. Okay, don't being sappy now. Enjoy their day:)